Trigger Installation

[tomjubach]

Folks,

I just purchased a Chip McCormick lightweight aluminum trigger for my M-1911. I have an Essex stainless frame and a Colt 70 Series slide. I built this gun about 25-30 years ago when we founded a new organization called IPSC.

I have quite a bit of up and down play in the trigger. The overtravel is set fine. I forget how you get rid of the play in the other direction. Can anyone refresh my memory?

tomjubach

[jcmios]

Was the trigger marked as over sized? I think McCormick triggers are all drop in. I would get an over sized trigger instead of messing with the McCormick. You can try to make a dimple on the top and bottom of the trigger, use a sharp punch and at a 45 degree angle try to raise the metal in the top and bottom center of the trigger. Then fit the vertical play, but being and aluminum trigger it will most likely wear down quickly as it is a small bearing surface. That’s why I say get an over sized trigger and fit it properly.

[tomjubach]

jc,

No, the trigger wasn't oversized. I didn't see an option for one when I ordered it. I wrote an email to McCormick's but haven't heard from them yet.

It has been a long time since I tried to take the play out of a trigger and have forgotten exactly what I used to do. I believe that I drilled a hole in the top and bottom on the aluminum trigger and hammered a shaft from an aluminum rivet into each hole, then filed down the pins equally to make a smooth fit. I would hate to have to do this if someone has a better way.

I'll also consider trading the trigger in for a larger one, but the play is very severe, and I kind of think that I may have to do this on an oversized one as well. It also took a long time to get the one I ordered. I will tell you that I have used several triggers in the past, all fit very well as a drop in in this Essex frame. I just like the looks of the skeletonized McCormick and want ot get it to work.


tomjubach

[wichaka]

I've not heard of the operation you talk about, but if you've done it in the past, I guess it would work. Other than that you'll have to get an over-sized trigger.

The over-sized Nowlins work very well, they are very large coming out of the package.

[BadIonZ]

More first time 1911 builder trigger questions,... can I easiy eliminate "slack", or lash before the trigger gets firm. Once firm, the pull is about 1/32 before breaking at 4 lbs ( i know that by watching the movement of the pin where the bow is connected to the shoe ). Long trigger in a Brazilian SS Springfield A1.

I also have excess up/down shoe travel but I gather I'll have to live with that till I install an oversize trigger.

But the pull is down to a manageable level for bullseye practice. Overtravel is now fine too.